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More than 100 people have used a new language interpretation service offered by public transit agencies in Minnesota. The "Language Line" helps riders navigate the transportation system with the help of about 200 interpreters. The majority of travelers have requested language services in Spanish, Somali and Hmong.

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Minnesota has launched a website with videos and information in Spanish, Hmong and Somali to improve awareness of and access to early intervention programs among immigrant communities. The website is part of the state's Help Me Grow program, which has hired cultural liaisons to engage parents and child-care providers among these communities.

Teachers in Singapore increasingly are using role-playing, reading aloud and real-life situations to help students improve their language skills, including English-language education. "Language learning is meant to be engaging. It has to be contextualized, and is not about isolated grammar or comprehension texts," said Rezia Rahumathulla, head of English language studies at Da Qiao Primary School.

Increased ethnic diversity among students in California schools has led some districts in the state to launch language-immersion programs in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese and Hmong. The classes enroll English and non-English-speaking students, and the emphasis is on integrating the programs with younger students. One principal reported students coming from across the county to enroll in her elementary-school's English-Mandarin program.

The Kansas State Department of Education and a French education agency have partnered to help improve language education in both countries. Officials say they hope the arrangement will lead educators and students to have direct interactions with their overseas counterparts through activities such as pen pal programs and professional development opportunities.

Schools nationwide are seeing an increase in the number of English language learners, and while most are prepared to meet the needs of native Spanish speakers -- traditionally the largest group of ELLs in schools -- they now are being charged with serving students who speak a range of languages, including Russian, Arabic and Vietnamese. To address some of the challenges associated with this shift, districts are changing standards, focusing on project-based learning and involving parents.